Supratrochlear island flap for reconstruction of the periorbital and nasal defects

Background: The reconstruction of nasal and periorbital defects has been a challenging task for plastic surgeons in terms of obtaining aesthetic and functional results. So far, many surgical methods have been described for the closure of these defects; however, the lack of sensation and inadequate cosmetic appearance were the main disadvantages of these procedures. Methods: This study involved all patients who underwent reconstruction of nasal and periorbital defects due to tumor resection by means of a supratrochlear artery island flap, between 2007 and 2011. Doppler USG on the frontal region was routinely performed on all of the patients. Results: This technique was used in six male patients with a mean age of 59.6 years (ranged, 44-68 years).The flap sizes ranged from 3 × 2.2 to 5 × 4.5 cm (mean 3.83 × 3.13 cm). The mean follow-up period was 23.6 months. All of the flaps survived without any problem, and no total or partial loss of flap was observed. The defects were closed with sensate and durable skin. Temporary loss of sensation on frontal regions was observed on all of the patients, but it decreased within 8-12 months in the follow-ups. Conclusions: The supratrochlear artery island flap is a good alternative for the reconstruction of small- and medium-sized periorbital and nasal defects that offers a single-stage procedure, good perfusion and drainage, reliability, technical easiness, and sensorial superiority. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.